First lady pushes for revival of Akwete textile, donates N2 billion

Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Remi Tinubu has emphasised that the rich heritage of Nigerians should be preserved for the prosperity of the younger generation to come.

In a statement by her Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu was quoted to have stated this during her visit to the historical site of the local handwoven Akwete fabric in Abia State.

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According to the first lady, the tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, adding that they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation.

“Our young people also need to be encouraged to get used to our tradition and cultural outfits”.

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“It is the culture that raised me, and there is nowhere that I stand in the world without wearing African wear”.

“These women, while they hold their craft very dear, it is a spiritual thing for them, one of the good things that I saw, were young people in their families doing the exact thing”

“I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture tells us who we are, the moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from”, adding that the craft was passed down from generation to generation, which she commended.

“It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, endurance, and that should not be desecrated. When we saw a building there, we said we would lift the structure”. ‎”We can build on it, which will tell the story”.For the women of Akwete, I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo that they should take Akwete to the nations. For all the notable sons of Igbo land and me, rise to preserve this”.

Subsequently, the‎ First Lady donated N2 billion to the State for the development of the Akwete production site in Abia State.

The First Lady had earlier been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ugo Nwanyi of Abia.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and his wife. Priscilla Otti, prominent politicians, clergies and traditional rulers received the first lady at the historic production site of the hand-woven Akwete fabric.

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